D minor

The D minor scale has only one flat note (Bb), and it is very well suited for guitar writing. Popular scordaturas for the guitar include dropping the low E string to D (thus making possible a very resounding D minor chord, as well as easing fingerings), or dropping all the strings a tone lower (thus making it possible to play in E minor, the most practical key, and sound in D minor). Other stringed instruments may benefit from the key also.

Outside guitar music D minor has been widely used, even being the home key of Beethoven's longest symphony. Sclarlatti wrote about 32 of his 151 minor key-sonatas in D minor, and they often borrow mannerisms from the guitar music of the period. The relative minor scale of D minoris F major. The notes that make up the D minor scale are the same ones used for the G doric mode, A phyrigian, Bb lydian, C mixolydian, D aeolian, and E locrian.

Below you will find the seven shapes that you can use to play the D minor scale on your guitar. You will also find a table of chords you can use with the D minor scale, together with their harmonic function.